Study Released on Titan America's Potential Health and Air Impacts

Three years after announcing its plans to operate a cement plant in Castle Hayne, Titan America is still waiting to hear a final decision regarding an air permit from the state Division of Air Quality.

While company supporters and opponents wait for the DAQ’s decision, WHQR’s Michelle Bliss reports that a presentation of potential air quality and health impacts will be unveiled tonight in Wilmington.

ICF International will present findings from its analysis on air quality and health impacts for southeastern North Carolina. The Southern Environmental Law Center hired ICF to conduct the study, which was paid for by funds raised by the Stop Titan group.

The report examines the potential regional air quality and health-related effects associated with future emissions from the proposed cement plant. A question-and-answer session will follow the report.

The DAQ completed its review of Titan America’s draft air permit last month, after hosting public hearings in the fall and receiving more than a thousand comments.

The DAQ’s Patrick Butler made several recommendations regarding public concerns that require more evaluation before the agency’s director can make a decision on the permit.

The presentation is Tuesday at 7 at the Northeast New Hanover County Library on Military Cutoff Road in Wilmington.